Jeffrey Dean Morgan Signs On For Starz’ ‘Magic City’

'The Losers' star comes back to TV with 'Magic City.'

Starz may have defined its original programming with "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," but it doesn’t mean the network doesn’t have ambitions outside of the fantasy genre. And its upcoming mob series, "Magic City" just found its first potential star.

According to Deadline, Jeffrey Dean Morgan is in final negotiations to play the lead in "Magic City," a late ’50s era drama that follows the rise of organized crime in Miami after Fidel Castro seizes power in Cuba. Morgan’s character will be a "suave Jewish-American man" who buys a lush Miami hotel and transforms it into powerhouse that brings in the top entertainers, politicians and mobsters.

Among genre fans, Morgan is perhaps best known for his starring roles in "The Watchmen" and "The Losers,’ but he has an extensive television resume with appearances on "Angel," "Monk," "JAG," "CSI," "Sliders" and a small role on Showtime’s "Weeds."

Morgan also made a memorable appearance on "Grey’s Anatomy" as a heart transplant patient in addition to his stint on "Supernatural" as John Winchester, the father of Sam and Dean. However, the last time that Morgan was the lead character in a TV series was the short-lived UPN sci-fi drama, "The Burning Zone."

"Magic City" was announced by Starz last month, which made a commitment to air a ten episode, first season. The series was created by screenwriter Mitch Glazer and inspired by his youth in Miami during the actual period in its history.

With casting already underway, "Magic City" is expected to begin filming in Miami very soon before debuting on Starz in 2012.